What is meant by Firewall?
A firewall is a security device or software designed to protect a network or computer from unauthorized access and threats from the internet or other networks. It acts as a barrier layer between an internal network and external, potentially insecure networks such as the internet.
Typical functions of software in the area of firewall include:
- Packet Filtering: Monitoring inbound and outbound network traffic and blocking or allowing data packets based on predefined rules.
- Application Filtering: Controlling access to specific applications or services to ensure network security.
- Stateful Inspection: Tracking the state of network connections and allowing data packets based on the state of the connection (e.g., establishment, data transfer, closure).
- Intrusion Detection/Prevention: Detecting and preventing potential attacks or security breaches by monitoring network traffic and identifying suspicious activities.
- VPN Support: Providing Virtual Private Network (VPN) capabilities for secure remote access to the network via encrypted connections.
- Logging and Reporting: Logging network activities and generating reports for analysis of security events and threats.